Monument of the Holy Mother of God
Haskovo
Located on Yamacha hill in Haskovo, Bulgaria, the Monument of the Holy Mother of God stands at 31 meters tall, with the statue itself measuring 14 meters. Unveiled in 2003, it honors the Virgin Mary, the city's traditional patron saint. The monument was funded by local donations and designed by sculptors including Petyo Aleksandrov and Nikola Stoyanov, crafted from polymer concrete. Its pedestal houses a small Bulgarian Orthodox chapel dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God, featuring a stone altar and resembling an ancient church interior. A large Christian cross relief marks the chapel entrance. In 2010, a nearby bell tower nearly 30 meters tall was added, containing eight bells and offering panoramic views of Haskovo. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest statue of its kind, the monument is a prominent symbol of Haskovo and a key tourist attraction included among Bulgaria's 100 Tourist Sites.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit on or around September 8th, the feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God, which is a major local celebration and the official Day of Haskovo. The monument is visible day and night from the city due to its hilltop location. Purchasing tickets or postcards supporting the monument construction is no longer necessary, but planning a visit during daylight offers the best views. The adjacent bell tower is open to tourists and provides excellent vantage points. No specific ticket prices are mentioned, but local tourist information can provide current details and possible discounts.
Faits intéressants
- •The monument holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary with Infant Jesus worldwide.
- •The statue weighs 20 tonnes, while the entire monument weighs 80 tonnes.
- •The bell tower next to the monument is nearly 30 meters tall, one of the highest in the Balkans, and contains eight bells.
- •The monument was funded entirely by donations from Haskovo citizens, including the sale of 10,000 postcards featuring the monument's image.
- •The chapel inside the monument's pedestal features a stone altar and an interior resembling an ancient church.
Histoire
The Monument of the Holy Mother of God was approved by the Haskovo municipal council in 2002 and unveiled in 2003.
It commemorates the Virgin Mary, patron saint of Haskovo, whose feast has been celebrated since at least 1896 and officially designated as the city's day in 1993.
The monument was funded through citizen donations, including postcard sales.
In 2010, a bell tower was constructed nearby, becoming one of the highest on the Balkan Peninsula.
Since 2009, the monument is listed among Bulgaria's 100 Tourist Sites, symbolizing the city's cultural and religious heritage.
Guide du lieu
The Statue of the Virgin Mary2003
The 14-meter tall statue crafted from polymer concrete represents the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus and is the centerpiece of the monument, symbolizing faith and protection over Haskovo.
Orthodox Chapel of the Nativity of the Mother of God2003
Located within the monument's pedestal, this small Bulgarian Orthodox chapel features a stone altar and an interior designed to resemble an ancient church, providing a sacred space beneath the statue.
Bell Tower2010
Built in 2010 adjacent to the monument, this nearly 30-meter tall bell tower is one of the highest in the Balkan Peninsula, housing eight bells of various sizes and offering panoramic views of Haskovo from its highest point.
Contact
Téléphone: 038 666 444